Crash information 44-49972 Lutjewinkel

During World War II more than 40 different bombers and jet fighters have crashed within de county borders of Hollands Kroon. The crashes were mostly on land, in the Ijssel lake and the Wadden sea.

Few crew members were arrested after using their parachute to reach the ground, others could flee with the help of the Resistance. However, the majority lost their lives and did not return home safely to their family and loved ones.

Consolidated B-24 Liberator 44-49972 “Rum-Collins” 453rd Bomb Group, 733rd Bomb Squadron Zoutkaag near Lutjewinkel

Information about the crash

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator 44-49972 “Rum-Collins” was on its way to the marshalling yard of the German city of Brunswick for a bombing raid on March 31, 1945. The on-board weapons were tested en route over the North Sea. A short circuit occurred in the dorsal turret, causing the machine gun to fire into the engine. The plane flew over the coast while burning. People from miles around saw the plane fly over. The crew jumped out of the plane and landed spread over Winkel and Nieuwe Niedorp with their parachutes. The bomber crashed at 8:15 am.

Crew members Thornsen and Setser arrived at the monastery of Nieuwe Niedorp with the help of a farmer. After a number of wanderings to different addresses, they crossed the IJsselmeer by boat on May 1, 1945 and arrived in Stavoren. This city had already been liberated by the Canadians at that time. The ten other crew members were quickly taken prisoner by the occupying forces.

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Photos of the unveiling

First Unveiling 2024

On May 25, 2024, the first remembrance post of the year was unveiled. This post keeps alive the memory of the crew of the Consolidated B24 Liberator bomber that crashed on March 31, 1945. All 12 crew members survived the crash. Two men eventually made it to the liberated city of Stavoren with help. The other ten crew members were taken as prisoners of war.

On the day of the unveiling, interested parties gathered at the village hall in Kolhorn, where coffee and cake were served. In the village hall, there were three propellers from the crashed bomber, one of which was in almost new condition. Remarkably, there were visible bullet holes from their own machine gun, which, during a weapons test, fired into their own engine, ultimately causing the crash.

Our treasurer, Chris Dijkshoorn, welcomed everyone. The Municipality of Hollands Kroon was represented by Deputy Mayor Mark Versteeg. Mr. Ran, who witnessed the crash, received a special welcome. Veterans were also present, and it was the first unveiling without Dirk Bak, whom we had to say goodbye to earlier this year. Jetty and her son John, who feel connected to our foundation, were also present.

After Chris's welcome speech, everyone went to the Kolhornerkade for the unveiling of the remembrance post. Deputy Mayor Mark Versteeg spoke about the events of the crash day and how extraordinary it must have been for those young soldiers to fight in an unknown place, far from home, uncertain if they would return safely. Twelve young men fought for our freedom and were lucky to survive this crash. Many others were not so fortunate. Chris read out the names and ages of the crew members. All the boys, whose ages were known, were between 19 and 21 years old.

The official unveiling of the remembrance post was carried out by Mr. Ran and Mark Versteeg. Trumpeter Martien Keppel played the United States national anthem, with the veterans saluting. After the official ceremony, wreaths were laid by Mark Versteeg on behalf of the Municipality of Hollands Kroon and by Petra Borst-Koorn on behalf of the May 4th foundation.